Raymond
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Different Pagan FaithsAsatru (Nordic Heathenism)
Origin: Scandinavia
Practiced: Worldwide but greatest numbers are in Scandinavia
Beliefs: Asatruists believe in many deities which are broken down into three types;
- The Aesir , which represent rulership and order.
- The Vanir , which represent nature, growth and reproduction.
- The Jotnar , which represent anarchy and chaos and are the enemies of The Aesir.
Asatruists are beholden to a number of specific gods such as Thor, Odin, Freya and Skaadi.
They believe that those who die in battle will go to Valhalla (the Nordic heaven) where they will dwell with the gods. Those who don't die in battle go to Heli - a place of rest and relaxation and the unworthy will go to Hiflhel (similar to Hell).
Australian Aboriginalism
Origin: Australia and Tasmania
Practiced: Australia and Tasmania
Beliefs: Those who follow this path refer to their lives as 'The Dreamtime'; an all-embracing concept which marries a knowledge of our origins with an understanding of how we should act now.
The followers of Dreamtime have a great respect for Mother Earth and the land.
Druidry
Origin: Mostly the UK and Northern France
Practiced: Predominantly in the UK but also the USA
Beliefs: Druids practice their ways in small groups known as 'Groves'. There are three steps (or schools of knowledge) to becoming a Druid; firstly you become a Bard, then an Ovate, then finally a Druid.
Druids believe in the concept of a universal spirit (Awen), which manifests itself in the form of many deities.
Native Americanism (Medicine Way)
Origin: North America
Practiced: North America, Alaska and growing numbers in Europe.
Beliefs: Native Americanism is a collective term for various ways followed by native North American Indian tribes.
There are over 700 differents tribal paths. No two ways are the same but certain beliefs are held in common.
There is a belief in the existance of a supreme spirit sometimes known as 'Great Spirit' or 'great Mystery'.
Emphasis is placed on respecting the Earth and treating fellow creatures with respect and honour.
Santeria
Origins: Catholicism combined with the Yoruba beliefs of West Africa.
Practiced: West Africa, South America, Europe and USA
Beliefs:Followers believe in Olodumare, the Santerian name for God.
Two important aspects are the sacrifice of animals and the worship of ancestors. Followers believe that nothing is wholly good or bad, all actions are a mixture of the two. What makes somethng good or bad is not the act itself but the motivation behind it.
Vodou
Origins: Dahomey, Africa - now known as Benin.
Practiced: Worldwide but particularly Haiti
Beliefs: Followers pay homage to the Lwa, sometimes called Loa.
The Lwa govern almost every aspect of life including employment, relationships and even life-span.
Ceremonies are conducted by a Houngan or a Mambo. They are essentially the Priests and can be either male or female.
Hoodoo
Origins: New Orleans, USA
Practiced: USA, parts of Western Europe
Beliefs: The beliefs and customs brought to America by African slaves mingled with the beliefs, customs, and botanical knowledge of Native Americans and with the Christian, Jewish, and pagan folklore of European immigrants. The hoodoo tradition places emphasis on personal magical power and thus it lacks strong links to any specific form of theology and can be adapted to any one of several forms of outward religious worship.
Wicca
Origins: UK
Practiced: Worldwide with greatest numbers in the UK and USA
Beliefs: Wicca was invented in the 1950's by a man named Dr.Gerald Gardner. He brought together all the folklore, beliefs and superstitions from all over the British Isles and formed them into Wicca.
Wicca is generally an nature-based religion focusing on the relationship of the follower and the two governing principles, The God and Goddess.
Many Wiccans work in groups known as covens which follow their chosen pantheon of gods and goddesses.
Witchcraft
Origin: Unknown but thought to more likely be Central, Southern and Western Europe.
Practiced: Worldwide.
Beliefs: The fundamental principles which underlies Witchcraft is that both the enviroment and the actions of others can be harnessed and manipulated for good or bad through the use of spellcraft.
The magical element of Witchcraft is the belief in a natural energy which can used by the practicioner for good and bad deeds.
Shintoism
Origin: Japan
Practiced: Japan
Beliefs: Shinto comes from 'Shin Tao' meaning "Way of the Gods".
Followers incorporate everything they do on a day to day basis with their honouring of the Kami or spirits.
Performing certain devotions at specific shrines is an important part of Shinto.
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